Small Midi keyboard

You are asking two very good strategic questions about building a small music system:

1️⃣ Can another keyboard brand give me more software?

2️⃣ Do I need Bluetooth if my MacBook only has two USB-C ports?

Let’s look at both.

1. Yes — different keyboards often include different software bundles

This is actually one reason some musicians buy multiple brands.

Example controllers

Arturia (your current ecosystem)

If you bought Arturia MiniLab 3 MIDI Controller you usually get:

• Analog Lab (lite version)

• Ableton Live Lite

• some Arturia instruments

But you already own most of those.

Akai software bundle

If you bought Akai MPK Mini MK3 Keyboard Controller you might gain:

• MPC Beats DAW

• AIR Hybrid synth

• Mini Grand piano

• Velvet electric piano

• sample packs

These are different instruments from Arturia.

Novation bundle

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Controller bundle can include:

• Ableton Live Lite

• Native Instruments Komplete Select

• XLN Addictive Keys (Steinway piano)

• AAS Session instruments

• Spitfire LABS strings

So yes — another brand can expand your sound library.

2. Your MacBook USB problem (very easy solution)

You do NOT need Bluetooth.

Most musicians simply use a USB-C hub.

Example setup:

MacBook

   ↓

USB-C hub

   ↓

• Arturia KeyLab 61

• Small travel keyboard

• Audio interface

• USB drive

One port becomes 6–8 ports.

These hubs cost about $20–40.

3. When Bluetooth MIDI

is

useful

Bluetooth is nice for:

• iPad

• iPhone

• couch composing

• avoiding cables

Example:

The Korg microKEY Air 25 Bluetooth MIDI Controller can connect wirelessly to an iPad or iPhone.

But Bluetooth MIDI can have:

• slight latency

• occasional dropouts

So in studios people still prefer USB.

4. The strategy that fits your system best

Your system already has:

Hardware

• Yamaha P125

• Arturia KeyLab 61

• PSR-33

Computers

• MacBook

• iPad

• iPhone

Software

• Arturia synths

• Ableton

• Model D

• GarageBand

So the best addition is probably:

Arturia MiniLab 3

because:

• identical mapping to Analog Lab

• same workflow

• portable

• teaches you the Arturia ecosystem faster.

But if you want extra instruments, then:

👉 Akai MPK Mini adds new synths and pianos.

5. One more idea you might like

There is a third option between 25 and 61 keys that many traveling musicians prefer:

37-key controllers.

They are:

• still portable

• much easier for real music

• better for two-hand chords.

Many experienced keyboard players actually find 37 keys the sweet spot.

✅ My honest advice for your system

Best ecosystem choice

→ Arturia MiniLab 3

Best extra-software choice

→ Akai MPK Mini

Best musical compromise

→ 37-key controller

If you want, I can also show you one keyboard that many professional touring players carry with an iPad because it solves three problems at once (travel, control knobs, and synth editing). It might actually be the ideal addition to your setup. 🎹